Egyptian Olympian refuses to shake hands with Israeli opponent after loss in judo

A match in the men’s 100kg judo tournament at the Rio Olympics ended an ugly note when an Egyptian judoka, who reportedly had doubts about even competing in the match, refused to acknowledge the loss or shake hands with his Israeli opponent.

The scene started to unfold when Islam El Shehaby of Egypt (in blue) took an extended amount of time getting up at the end of the match, leaving both his opponent, Israel’s Os Sasson, and the referee waiting.

El Shehaby, who is known for his extreme anti-Israel views, told Egyptian media outlets that he would make his decision closer to the fight. “The situation is very sensitive,” he said. “And I don’t want to discuss it.”

According to the report, fans felt competing against an Israeli would “shame Islam.”

Sasson, looking flustered, eventually held his hand up as if to show that he was indeed offering his hand, before turning and walking away.